Minnesota Public Radio features by Mac Wilsonhttp://minnesota.publicradio.org/about/people/mpr_people_display.php?aut_id=30161
en-usCopyright 2015 Minnesota Public RadioSun, 02 Aug 2015 14:01:32 -0500 Minnesota Public Radio features by Mac Wilsonhttp://minnesota.publicradio.org/standard/images/mpr003/logo_mpr.gifhttp://minnesota.publicradio.org/?refid=0
Album of the Week: Jason Isbell, 'Something More Than Free'Jason Isbell's follow-up to his iconic 'Southeastern' album, 'Something More Than Free' is a quiet record, with ample room for self-reflection, with vivid character studies and moments of insight. The music allows for contemplation while showcasing Isbell's talent as a songwriter.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2015/07/27/album-of-the-week-jason-isbell-something-more-than-free?refid=0
Mon, 27 Jul 2015 00:01:00 -0500On An On perform in The Current studioOn An On are glad to be back in Minnesota. 'It feels like a homecoming,' says singer and guitarist Nate Eiesland. 'People are discovering we're from here.' Before their album-release party this Saturday, July 25, at Icehouse in Minneapolis, On An On stopped in to The Current's studio for a live session hosted by Mac Wilson.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2015/07/23/on-an-on-perform-in-the-current-studio?refid=0
Thu, 23 Jul 2015 10:50:00 -0500Album of the Week: Desaparecidos, 'Payola'Desaparecidos' first record in 13 years, 'Payola' is an exhilarating, exhausting experience, somehow managing to sustain a remarkable intensity for its full 40 minutes.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2015/07/06/album-of-the-week-desaparecidos-payola?refid=0
Mon, 06 Jul 2015 00:01:00 -0500Album of the Week: Best Coast, 'California Nights'Led by Bethany Cosentino's engaging vocals and Bobb Bruno's emergence as a guitarist and arranger, Best Coast's third full-length album just may be the one that nudges them from being a good band to a great band.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2015/05/25/album-of-the-week-best-coast-california-nights?refid=0
Mon, 25 May 2015 00:01:00 -0500Musicheads Essential Artists: Joni MitchellEach day during Minnesota Public Radio's Spring Member Drive, The Current will highlight a different artist who has made a significant contribution to the music world and a lasting impression on the music we listen to today. We call them Musicheads Essential Artists, and today we're highlighting Joni Mitchell.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2015/05/17/musicheads-essential-artists-joni-mitchell?refid=0
Sun, 17 May 2015 05:50:00 -0500Album of the Week: My Morning Jacket, 'The Waterfall'Mac Wilson writes that 'The Waterfall' -- similar to other My Morning Jacket releases -- offers 'a lot to enjoy, a lot to love, but a lot to sift through to get to the gold.'http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2015/05/11/album-of-the-week-my-morning-jacket-the-waterfall?refid=0
Mon, 11 May 2015 00:01:00 -0500Album Review: Death Cab for Cutie, 'Kintsugi'The latest album from Death Cab for Cutie continues the recent trend of alternative artists who explore the sonic depths of the 1980s. The result is a very enjoyable record. 'Kintsugi' releases on March 31.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2015/03/30/album-review-death-cab-for-cutie-kintsugi?refid=0
Mon, 30 Mar 2015 00:01:00 -0500Saturday's Honey Do: Songs about TimeAs we prepare to "spring ahead" into Daylight Saving Time, Bill DeVille and Mac Wilson are spinning tunes about time for Saturday's Honey Do. Taking a tip from the 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs about time do you want to hear? Make your request, and be sure to listen to Bill and Mac on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2015/03/07/saturday-s-honey-do-songs-about-time?refid=0
Sat, 07 Mar 2015 08:50:00 -0600Houndmouth perform in The Current studioNurtured in the music scene of Louisville, Ky., alt-country four-piece Houndmouth stop by The Current's studio to chat with Mac Wilson the day after playing a sold-out show at the Turf Club in St. Paul. The band members talk about Louisville's supportive music scene and the advantage of having multiple lead singers in the band: "It's great because we don't individually have to write as many songs."http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2015/02/24/houndmouth-perform-in-the-current-studio?refid=0
Tue, 24 Feb 2015 15:25:00 -0600Album Review: Belle and Sebastian, 'Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance''Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance' is another strong collection of songs from one of the world's strongest bands; the only diminished area of strength is as an album per se. Fortunately, the band decided to release a deluxe edition, creating an entirely new and vastly more fulfilling experience. Read Mac Wilson's review.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2015/02/16/album-review-belle-and-sebastian-girls-in-peacetime-want-to-dance?refid=0
Mon, 16 Feb 2015 00:01:00 -0600Album Review: Damien Rice, 'My Favourite Faded Fantasy'With the release of the lead single, &quot;I Don't Want to Change You,&quot; from Damien Rice's new outing, 'My Favourite Faded Fantasy,' social networks lit up with adulation and praise, as if an old best friend had suddenly re-emerged after a long absence.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2014/12/08/album-review-damien-rice-my-favourite-faded-fantasy?refid=0
Mon, 08 Dec 2014 00:01:00 -0600Top 89 Staff Picks: Mac Wilson, hostHost Mac Wilson shares his top 10 songs of 2014.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2014/12/01/top-89-staff-picks-mac-wilson?refid=0
Mon, 01 Dec 2014 12:00:00 -0600Album Review: TV on the Radio, 'Seeds'TV on the Radio's new album is a thrilling return: arguably their most accessible effort to date, while still retaining just enough of the inscrutability that helped put them on the map.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2014/11/24/album-review-tv-on-the-radio-seeds?refid=0
Mon, 24 Nov 2014 00:01:00 -0600Joseph Arthur talks about Lou Reed's enduring influenceWhen asked about his new record, Joseph Arthur unintentionally dropped a handful of big names. But now that the record is here only one name that matters: Lou.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2014/10/27/joseph-arthur-talks-about-lou-reeds-enduring-influence?refid=0
Mon, 27 Oct 2014 13:48:44 -0500Pixies perform live in The Current studioTouring in support of <em>Indie Cindy</em>, iconic indie-rockers Pixies -- Frank Black, Joey Santiago, David Lovering and Paz Lenchantin -- stopped by The Current's studio to record a session and to chat with host Mac Wilson before their gig at the State Theatre.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2014/10/14/pixies-perform-live-in-the-current-studio?refid=0
Tue, 14 Oct 2014 11:20:00 -0500Album Review: Tweedy, 'Sukierae'Jeff Tweedy is in a band. No, not that band; not that band, either. It's an outfit he recently launched with his son, Spencer Tweedy, and is appropriately named Tweedy. <em>Sukierae</em> is the project's first album, and it's our Album of the Week.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2014/09/15/album-review-tweedy-sukierae?refid=0
Mon, 15 Sep 2014 00:01:00 -0500Album Review: The New Pornographers, 'Brill Bruisers'The New Pornographers' newest record, 'Brill Bruisers', is not only their newest entry into a fantastic musical catalog, but also the latest chapter in a continuing narrative of the personal dynamic of this very special band and its members.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2014/08/25/album-review-the-new-pornographers-brill-bruisers?refid=0
Mon, 25 Aug 2014 00:01:00 -0500The Baseball Project perform in The Current studioIn town for a show at the Cedar Cultural Center, The Baseball Project stop into the studio to play some songs and to talk baseball with The Current's Mac Wilson.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2014/08/11/the-baseball-project-perform-in-the-current-studio?refid=0
Mon, 11 Aug 2014 17:50:00 -0500Interview: Jenny Lewis talks about 'The Voyager'Ahead of her show Sunday night at First Avenue in Minneapolis, Jenny Lewis stopped by The Current's studio for a live interview with Mac Wilson. The two talked about Lewis's new album 'The Voyager' and her collaborations with Ryan Adams and Beck.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2014/08/03/interview-jenny-lewis-talks-about-the-voyager?refid=0
Sun, 03 Aug 2014 15:15:02 -0500Album Review: Jenny Lewis, 'The Voyager'"'The Voyager' is arguably the finest record of Jenny Lewis's career, which is not a conclusion I expected to derive, but a welcome surprise nonetheless." Read Mac Wilson's complete review of The Current's Album of the Week.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2014/07/28/album-review-jenny-lewis-the-voyager?refid=0
Mon, 28 Jul 2014 00:01:00 -0500Hamilton Leithauser performs in The Current studioIn town to open for Ray LaMontagne in the newly renovated Northrop Auditorium, Hamilton Leithauser stopped by The Current studios to chat with host Mac Wilson and to play tracks off his recently released solo debut.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2014/07/11/hamilton-leithauser-performs-in-the-current-studio?refid=0
Fri, 11 Jul 2014 18:50:00 -0500Album Review: Conor Oberst, 'Upside Down Mountain'Conor Oberst's newest solo effort is a continuation of many of his trademark tropes, with all the connotations that come with them. Overall, Oberst's melodies possess a familiarity, making all the songs seem both comfortable and easygoing.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2014/06/16/album-review-conor-oberst-upside-down-mountain?refid=0
Mon, 16 Jun 2014 00:01:00 -0500Album Review: tUnE-yArDs, 'Nikki Nack'Tune-Yards' new album <i>Nikki Nack</i> consistently blurs the line between silliness and seriousness. These serious nursery rhymes address weighty issues. And even though Merrill Garbus's music sounds simple, even a cursory listen immediately reveals new patterns en route to a world that's distinctly her own.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2014/05/19/album-review-tuneyards-nikki-nack?refid=0
Mon, 19 May 2014 00:01:00 -0500First Listen: Sharon Van Etten, 'Are We There''Are We There' is a record of undeniable brilliance, a tough yet bracing listen that shows Van Etten reaching new heights as a songwriter, producer, and vocalist. Hear the entire album before its release on May 27, 2014.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2014/05/16/first-listen-sharon-van-etten-are-we-there?refid=0
Sun, 18 May 2014 10:33:34 -0500Lo-Fang performs in The Current studioLo-Fang, whose given name is Matthew Hemerlein, is touring in support of his debut album, 'Blue Film'. After playing a sold-out show at the 7th Street Entry, Lo-Fang stopped in to The Current's studio to play some songs and to chat with Mac Wilson.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2014/05/05/lofang-performs-in-the-current-studio?refid=0
Mon, 05 May 2014 14:00:00 -0500Tinariwen perform in The Current studioTinariwen, a band composed of Tuareg musicians from the Sahara Desert region of northern Mali, stopped in to The Current's studio ahead of their show Sunday night at The Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2014/04/07/tinariwen-perform-in-the-current-studio?refid=0
Mon, 07 Apr 2014 12:30:00 -0500Album Review: St. Vincent, 'St. Vincent'With her new, self-titled record, St. Vincent erects new barriers of aloofness while also managing to make her most accessible and exciting record yet.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2014/04/07/album-review-st-vincent-st-vincent?refid=0
Mon, 07 Apr 2014 00:01:00 -0500Album Review: Foster the People, 'Supermodel'Foster the People have made an admirable effort to inject an even more adventurous spirit into their second album, resulting in a mixed bag of new sounds that range from catchy to unfortunate.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2014/03/31/album-review-foster-the-people-supermodel?refid=0
Mon, 31 Mar 2014 00:01:00 -0500Album Review: Phantogram, 'Voices'Phantogram's new release 'Voices' is such a series of knockouts, it can give the record the feel of a singles collection, or even a greatest hits album.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2014/03/10/album-review-phantogram-voices?refid=0
Mon, 10 Mar 2014 00:01:00 -0500Top 89 Staff Picks: Mac Wilson, HostHost Mac Wilson shares his top songs and albums of 2013.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/12/02/top-89-mac-wilson?refid=0
Mon, 02 Dec 2013 12:30:23 -0600Okkervil River perform live in The Current's studiosOn the way to their show tonight at First Avenue, Okkervil River stopped by The Current's studios to talk about and to play some songs off their new album, <i>The Silver Gymnasium</i>.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/11/01/okkervil-river-perform-live-in-the-current-s-studios?refid=0
Fri, 01 Nov 2013 19:20:00 -0500Album review: Pearl Jam, 'Lightning Bolt'One of Pearl Jam's defining characteristics is that they have wedged themselves into their own corner of American rock music. They can rest assured that their spot in the canon will remain unaltered.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/10/28/album-review-pearl-jam-lightning-bolt?refid=0
Mon, 28 Oct 2013 00:01:00 -0500The Head and the Heart perform in The Current's studiosBetween Saturday and Sunday shows at First Avenue in Minneapolis, Seattle-based The Head and the Heart stopped in to The Current's studios to chat with Mac Wilson and to play some songs of their new album, <i>Let's Be Still</i>.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/10/27/the-head-and-the-heart-perform-in-the-current-s-studios?refid=0
Sun, 27 Oct 2013 16:20:00 -0500UK sensation Tom Odell makes his Twin Cities and in-studio debut22-year old UK songwriter Tom Odell released his debut "Long Way Down" in June and instantly shot to number #1 on his home country's charts. He joins an acclaimed list of English newcomers in 2013 who have attained the same honor like Jake Bugg and Rudimental.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/09/28/tom-odell-live?refid=0
Sat, 28 Sep 2013 16:00:00 -0500Valerie June performs live in The Current studiosThe Tennessee singer-songwriter feels a deep connection &#151; if not responsibility &#151; to the great musical traditions of Memphis. She describes this and more during her in-studio chat with The Current's Mac Wilson.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/08/11/valerie-june-performs-live-in-the-current-studios?refid=0
Sun, 11 Aug 2013 13:12:45 -0500Album Review: Camera Obscura - Desire LinesOn 'Desire Lines,' Camera Obscura have delivered a well-produced, well-sequenced blend of pop songs intertwined with subtle heartstring-pullers.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/07/01/album-review-camera-obscura--desire-lines?refid=0
Mon, 01 Jul 2013 00:00:00 -0500Rising Scottish trio CHVRCHES performs in The Current studiosGlasgow group CHVRCHES is making well-deserved waves amongst electro-pop music buffs. Last March they crossed the Atlantic for their first US performance at the massive South by Southwest festival in Austin, TX. They've been compared to Purity Ring, which isn't a surprise considering their synth-heavy sound and leading lady Lauren Mayberry's melodious, ethereal vocals.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/06/10/chvrches-live?refid=0
Sat, 08 Jun 2013 16:00:00 -0500Album Review: The National - Trouble Will Find Me<em>Trouble Will Find Me</em> ranges from moody ballads to driving rockers, but true to the band's subversive nature, the rockers are more mellow than they first appear, and the ballads drip with menace.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/05/20/album-review-the-national--trouble-will-find-me?refid=0
Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500Album Review: Phoenix - Bankrupt!Over four albums prior and nearly fifteen years together, Phoenix have locked into what seems to be their signature sound: a fusing of synthpop and arena rock into one highly caffeinated hit after another, geared for maximum catchiness.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/04/22/album-review-phoenix--bankrupt?refid=0
Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500Musicheads Essentials: The White Stripes - ElephantIf one listens to any one album by the White Stripes, they will hear a different shade of the band. Yet for all their elusiveness and apparent shape-shifting, the entirety of the band is really only visible on one album and one album alone: <em>Elephant</em>.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/04/01/musicheads-essentials-the-white-stripes--elephant?refid=0
Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:30:00 -0500Innovative indie-psych rockers Django Django perform at The CurrentBritish rockers Django Django have forged a stunningly inventive sound in their short existence, splitting the difference between vintage rock riffs 'n' rhythms and a contemporary, arty strain of electronic psychedelia.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/03/16/django-django?refid=0
Sat, 16 Mar 2013 16:00:00 -0500Ra Ra Riot perform in The Current studioGood things come in threes with indie rockers, Ra Ra Riot. Fresh of the release of their third album, the band stopped by our studio for the third time to play three songs.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/03/05/ra-ra-riot-live?refid=0
Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:00:00 -0600All you need to know about the 2013 GrammysThis year's Grammy nominations have the greatest overlap with the Current's playlist than any other year in our history. The actual awards -- well, they overlapped a little.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/12/05/grammy-nominees-the-current?refid=0
Sun, 10 Feb 2013 18:00:46 -0600Album Review: Benjamin Gibbard - Former LivesWithout the pressures of his "real band," you can hear the burdens melt off Gibbard's songwriting, much like Jeff Tweedy has done with his non-Wilco projects.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/12/10/benjamin-gibbard-former-lives?refid=0
Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600Mac Wilson interviews Dave Wakeling of the English BeatDave Wakeling of the English Beat chatted with host Mac Wilson about Mac's mellifluous voice, the origins of Halloween, the band's life on tour, Minneapolis crowds and much more.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/10/29/mac-wilson-interviews-dave-wakeling?refid=0
Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:17:46 -0500San Cisco performs in The Current studioOn the strength of their low-fi garage pop sound, the Australian four-piece has generated considerable buzz surrounding their upcoming debut album.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/10/21/san-cisco-live?refid=0
Sun, 21 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500Rufus Wainwright performs in The Current studiosLongtime fans waiting for a return-to-form can finally breathe a sigh of relief: Rufus Wainwright is back in the game.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/08/11/rufus-wainwright-live-2012?refid=0
Sat, 11 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500Electric Guest performs in The Current studiosWhen Asa Taccone's brother told him to share some of the music he was working on to his friend Brian, Asa didn't think it would lead to much. But luckily for him Brian was working on other projects as Danger Mouse and liked the sound that Asa was putting together. Through Danger Mouse Asa met Matthew Compton and Electric Guest was formed.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/07/24/electricguest-instudio?refid=0
Tue, 24 Jul 2012 08:07:54 -0500Album Review: Hot Chip - In Our Heads"In Our Heads" is a thrillingly consistent album, veering from high-BPM stompers to some of Hot Chip's most touching ballads to date.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/07/06/cd-of-the-week-hot-chip?refid=0
Sun, 08 Jul 2012 23:59:00 -0500Blitzen Trapper perform in The Current studioPortland, Ore. folk-rock troupe Blitzen Trapper have been exploring the boundaries and possibilities of Americana for over a decade now, releasing a half-dozen full-lengths and winning the hearts of the national indie scene along the way.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/07/09/blitzen-trapper?refid=0
Sun, 08 Jul 2012 13:30:00 -0500The Walkmen perform in The Current studioThe New York City-based quintet the Walkmen have cemented their status as one of indie rock's most accomplished and talented acts in the ten years since they released their debut album. Their jagged, post-punk influenced sound has steadily mellowed and expanded, and singer Hamilton Leithauser's songwriting has matured as well.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/07/01/walkmen-live?refid=0
Sun, 01 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500Theft of the Dial: FeistA sometime member of Broken Social Scene and a gifted singer-songwriter in her own right, Leslie Feist has released four albums of beautiful, folk-tinged indie-rock and has cemented her place as one of the indie community's most vital artistic voices. Her most recent album, Metals, was a mature and nuanced crystallization of the ideas and themes she's explored throughout her career. Currently on tour, Feist found time to stop by The Current studios to chat with Mac Wilson and take over our airwaves to play some of of the music she's enjoying lately.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/08/03/theft-of-the-dial-feist?refid=0
Mon, 11 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500Theft of the Dial: FeistCurrently on tour, Feist found time to stop by The Current studios to chat with Mac Wilson and take over our airwaves to play some of of the music she's enjoying lately.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/06/11/theft-of-the-dial?refid=0
Mon, 11 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500First Aid Kit performs in The Current studioSwedish folk duo First Aid Kit have been playing, recording and releasing music together since they were both in their teens. Their sophomore release, "The Lion's Roar," features guest appearances from Joe Pernice and Conor Oberst and was released in January.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/04/07/first-aid-kit?refid=0
Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:00:50 -0500Dry The River performs in The Current studiosA fusion of hardcore, post-punk and folk (not kidding), the London-based five-piece Dry the River don't sit neatly in one genre. Growing up singing in a choir and then later as a teenager in hardcore bands, frontman Peter Liddle pulled from his parent's folk influences to create the distinct sound of Dry The River. Don't let the beards and violin fool you - they are not another Mumford and Sons! With their debut "Shallow Bed" due out in April, the band is touring heavily to promote it.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/03/30/drytheriver-live?refid=0
Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:30:00 -0500Album Review: The Shins - Port of MorrowMac Wilson's review of the much-anticipated new release by The Shins.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/03/19/album-review-port-of-morrow--the-shins?refid=0
Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500Shearwater performs in The Current studioShearwater's first release on the Sub Pop label, "Animal Joy," is more aggressive than previous albums, focusing on the moments in life that, as lead singer Jonathan Meiberg describes, "bring your blood to the surface."http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/02/19/shearwater-live?refid=0
Sun, 19 Feb 2012 15:19:23 -0600Album Review: Sharon Van Etten - TrampVan Etten has crafted a record bursting with meticulous sonic details, while also leaving plenty of space -- sonically and lyrically -- for contemplation.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/02/05/album-review-sharon-van-etten--tramp?refid=0
Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600Album Review: Guided By Voices - Let's Go Eat The FactoryIf their past history is any indication, this should be the first of several new releases for Guided by Voices, which will inevitably find the band shaking off any rust and perhaps even turning up the 'rock' knob a little more.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/01/01/album-review-guided-by-voices--lets-go-eat-the-factory?refid=0
Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600Album Review: Coldplay - Mylo XylotoColdplay's music has always sounded universal and huge, but they take on an enormity on Mylo Xyloto that alternately thrills and leaves the listener distant.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/10/31/album-review-coldplay--mylo-xyloto?refid=0
Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500Girls perform in The Current studiosWhen San Francisco band Girls burst onto the indie-rock scene in 2009, they were heralded with a huge amount of hype and buzz, thanks to their infectious, messy garage-rock sound and to singer Christopher Owens' bizarre and fascinating life story (short version: it involves cults).http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/10/02/girls?refid=0
Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500Album Review: Wilco - The Whole LoveI can give no higher compliment to "The Whole Love" than to favorably compare it to "Summerteeth," and while it may not reach the peaks of the Wilco catalog, it is clearly their best record in nearly a decade.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/09/23/review-wilco-the-whole-love?refid=0
Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500Album Review: The Strokes - AnglesThe Strokes' fourth album, "Angles," comes on the heels of a five-year band hiatus that saw numerous solo projects and sparked doubt over whether the band would ever record together again.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/03/22/album-review-the-strokes--angles?refid=0
Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500Album Review: Devotchka - 100 LoversDeVotchKa's music is part of a trend that includes artists like Andrew Bird, Beirut and Calexico seemingly sprung from an alternate reality in which the British Invasion never reached American shores and yet the alternative movement flourished anyway.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/02/28/devotchka-100-lovers-review?refid=0
Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600Album Review: The Decemberists - The King is DeadThe King Is Dead will touch most people in the same ways: as a breezy, enjoyable album that cuts down on the details and focuses on the pleasurable aspects of music and life. This is a solid way to ring in 2011.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/01/14/decemberists-king-is-dead?refid=0
Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600Middle Class Rut perform live in The Current studioMiddle Class Rut is good ol' fashioned alternative rock, a band which has collaborated live with the likes of Alice in Chains and Social Distortion.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/11/18/middle-class-rut-live?refid=0
Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:23:23 -0600Junip performs live in The Current studioYou would expect the side project of Swedish singer-songwriter Jose Gonzalez to sound a lot like, well, Jose Gonzalez. But in fact, Junip was around before any of his solo material hit the market, and after a five year hiatus, the trio have reunited to play a krautrock form of folk with haunting drumkit and keys in tow.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/11/07/junip-live?refid=0
Sun, 07 Nov 2010 11:58:01 -0600Hot Chip perform live in The Current studioSince forming ten years ago, the English, synth-loving electro-pop group Hot Chip have released four records and toured the world, and they're currently on tour with DFA label-mates LCD Soundsystem.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/10/21/hot-chip-live?refid=0
Thu, 21 Oct 2010 15:28:01 -0500Album Review: Belle and Sebastian Write About LoveThe centerpiece of Belle & Sebastian Write About Love is its title track. "Write About Love" is a marvel, a flawlessly constructed song that stands with the very best the band has ever done.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/10/11/belle_and_sebastian_write_about_love_review?refid=0
Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500Ra Ra Riot performs live in the Current studioIndie-rockers Ra Ra Riot formed in early 2006, when they were friends at Syracuse University. After playing several house shows and venues around Syracuse as well as a handful of national festivals, the band released their debut record, "The Rhumb Line," in 2008.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/10/06/ra-ra-riot-live?refid=0
Wed, 06 Oct 2010 10:24:48 -0500Dirty Projectors perform live in The Current studiosYou've got to hand it to Dirty Projectors. After all, the band somehow made all of frontman David Longstreth's most uneven and insanely complex ideas work.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/09/22/dirty-projectors?refid=0
Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:39:59 -0500Kele performs live in The Current studiosKele is the new side-project from Bloc Party vocalist Kele Okereke. In an effort to focus more on his interest in dance music and fuel his creativity, Kele released the album "The Boxer" in June.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/09/12/kele-live?refid=0
Sun, 12 Sep 2010 13:54:38 -0500Theft of the Dial: InterpolIt was our pleasure to welcome Interpol to the Current studios to take over our airwaves for a Theft of the Dial session.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/08/25/theft-of-the-dial-interpol?refid=0
Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500Minus the Bear performs live in The Current studiosSeattle pop rock quintet, Minus the Bear, have seen several changes since their last visit to The Current in 2008. They've signed to their first major label and have released a new album, Omni, that is loaded with big sounds, big synth, and big hooks.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/07/01/minus-the-bear-live?refid=0
Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:25:43 -0500Album Review: Jeremy Messersmith - The Reluctant GraveyardThe Reluctant Graveyard is a thoroughly entertaining album from start to finish; for all the talk of death, proceedings never even approach dreariness.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/05/04/jeremy-messersmith-the-reluctant-graveyard?refid=0
Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500Album Review: MGMT - CongratulationsWhen it came time to record their second album, MGMT decided not to "play the game": rather than churning out another batch of hit singles, they instead pursued their own unique brand of disjointed psychedelia.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/14/album-review-mgmt--congratulations?refid=0
Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500Album Review: MGMT - Congratulations"Congratulations" is a bold, disorienting, sometimes abrasive album of experimentation run rampant. With this album, MGMT is answering to no one, yet everyone.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/04/13/album-review-mgmt--congratulations?refid=0
Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500Beach House performs in The Current studioThree albums into an astronomic career, Beach House is the critically renowned project of Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally, Baltimore natives who make ethereal dream-pop sound easy.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/04/06/beach-house-live?refid=0
Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:26:50 -0500Fyfe Dangerfield performs in The Current studiosFyfe Dangerfield is most commonly known as the lead singer of the avant-garde Brit pop band Guillemots. Fyfe has recently taken his song writing to solo pastures. However, Guillemots fans are not to worry - the delightfully quirky band is still together and working on new material for an upcoming release.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/03/26/fyfe_dangerfield?refid=0
Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:10:52 -0500Album Review: Eels - End TimesEvery time I begin to worry about Mark Everett, he leaves us with a glimmer of light; a tiny nod of reassurance, as if he's telling us that he -- and we -- will be okay.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/01/19/eels-end-times?refid=0
Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600Girls perform in The Current studiosA brand new band from San Francisco, Girls specialize in always-sunny California pop -- jangling guitars, beautiful harmonies and flawless hooks. Frontman Christopher Owens layers this sunny backdrop with darker lyrics reminiscent of more introverted artists.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/11/16/girls?refid=0
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600Album Review: Tegan and Sara - SainthoodWith each new record, single, or collaboration in pop culture, I find myself hoping Teegan and Sara gain wider acceptance and success. With their new album, "Sainthood," have they taken a step in that direction?http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/10/27/tegan-and-sara-sainthood?refid=0
Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500Jack Penate performs live in The Current studioJack Penate's music has chamelion-like qualities. His first release "Matinee" had a swinging pop-ska sound while his latest album "Everything Is New" was a 180-degree change and leans more disco.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/09/26/jack_penate?refid=0
Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:59:49 -0500Metric performs live in The Current studiosAfter a four-year stint working on solo records and side-projects, the Toronto- and Brooklyn-based band Metric has finally released their fourth album "Fantasies" and first since 2005's "Live It Out."http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/06/13/metric?refid=0
Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:56:46 -0500Grizzly Bear performs in The Current studiosBeginning at home as an experimental project, Grizzly Bear has pushed their lo-fi roots to the limits in their 2009 CD "Veckatimest."http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/06/08/grizzly_bear?refid=0
Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:32:06 -0500Album Review: Jarvis Cocker - Further ComplicationsErstwhile Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker returns with his second solo release, "Further Complications."http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/20/album-review-jarvis-cocker--further-complications?refid=0
Mon, 18 May 2009 13:10:04 -0500Album Review: U2 - No Line on the Horizon"No Line on the Horizon" may not be as immediately captivating as some of U2's other albums, but it is still a thoughtful and challenging addition their catalog.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/02/27/u2-no-line-on-the-horizon?refid=0
Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600Blitzen Trapper performs in The Current studiosWith their fourth album, Furr, under their belts, the Portland, Oregon sextet has refined their sound on their new album, which has drawn inspiration from bands like Fleet Foxes and Beach House, and have departed somewhat from their previous influences like The Grateful Dead.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/11/08/blitzen_trapper?refid=0
Sat, 08 Nov 2008 15:18:15 -0600Neva Dinova perform in The Current studiosNamed after the grandmother of vocalists and guitarist Jake Bellow, the Omaha five-some Neva Dinova are criss-crossing the country in support of their new album "You May Already Be Dreaming."http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/04/28/neva_dinova?refid=0
Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:34:05 -0500